Top Free Antivirus Software

Antivirus software is a crucial feature of any computer system providing a defensive layer from viruses, trojans, worms, spyware, adware, keyloggers and rootkit infections. While there is a wide range of antivirus software available, it can be high priced so for those of you who are looking for free antivirus software, we list some of the better ones below.

Most current anti virus softwares have at least reasonably good protection rates against all the different types of malware. However due to the huge increase in malware, we recommend that you should use one antivirus software (rather than multiple softwares which can cause conflict and use more system resources) coupled with other security software such as security enhanced web browsers.

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition

AVG Anti-Virus offers a high level of protection for a free antivirus software. It includes a behavioural blocker that is the “Identity Protection” protection. Although advertisments are present on the page you can disable them, but due to the size of AVG Anti-Virus the scan speeds are extremely slow.

Avira AntiVir Personal Edition

AntiVir is a top antivirus scanner with particuarly high detection rates of malware, outperforming almost all competing antirus softwares according to tests. It is a great choice for high-risk users and considered by some to be the best free antivirus software available.

A couple of drawbacks are the fact that it does have the capability to scan websites or emails (you have to upgrade to the paid-for version to get this). However despite the fact that it will not scan an infected email before you open it, it will immediately respond should you open an infected email. Also the provided toolbar is full of adds and some aspects of the software can seem a bit complicated at times.

Avast! Free Antivirus

Branded “the world’s most popular anti-virus”, boasting improved detection rates and including the most features for a free version of antivirus software, Avast can be considered one of the best antivirus solutions. Some of these features are web, email, IM, P2P and network shields, plus script malware protection. Extra plugins are available such as an Internet site ratings plugin to help assess the safety of websites browsed. A great aspect is a remote assistance feature to talk to other users when you need help, making the software useful for beginners, whilst having the customisable options, which will appeal to the more tech-savvy of you.

Lavosoft Ad-Aware

Ad-Aware is a trusted spyware tool which includes real-time anti-virus and malware protection as part of the free version. It has the latest advanced in identity protection as well as emulation technology and has browser protection to protect you from the newest malware being distributed to you via bad URLs. A feature that will appeal to most of us is the silent “game mode” which stops those annoying pop-up messages being displayed when we are watching movies or playing games,

Microsoft Windows Defender

The much-improved Microsoft Windows Defender gives you real-time protection against spyware and pop-ups, whilst monitoring your system and notifying you when urgent attention is needed. Sporting a relatively uncomplicated interface, the software enables you to schedule your scanning and removal times to a time that does not impair your work. The version is supported on Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP.

Obviously we have only included a few in our selection above, but there are many more versions of free antivirus software out there. Please feel free to add your recommendations and links below.